Every year July 27th  is celebrated as World Head and Neck Cancer day.

Head and neck cancer refers to several types of cancers that affect the head and neck areas of the body. These cancers are treatable if caught early, and are easily preventable. Cancer awareness is the key to the prevention and early diagnosis of the disease.

Cancers that are known collectively as head and neck cancers usually begin in the Oral Cavity, Tongue, Salivary glands, larynx ( Voice box), Pharynx ( including nasopharynx, oropharynx, and hypopharynx.), Paranasal sinuses , Nasal cavity.

Warning signs of head and neck cancer

Head and neck cancer symptoms include Swelling or a sore that does not heal this is the most common symptom. Sometimes, people with head and neck cancer do not have any of the signs and symptoms described below. Other, less serious conditions may also cause these symptoms. It is important to check with a doctor or dentist about these symptoms.

• Swelling or a sore that does not heal.
• Red or white patch in the mouth.
•  Lump in the mouth or neck area Persistent sore throat.
•  Hoarseness or change in voice.
•  Frequent nose bleeds and/or unusual nasal discharge.
•  Pain or difficulty chewing, swallowing, breathing.
• Blood in the saliva or phlegm, nosal bleeding.
• Loosening of teeth, Dentures that no longer fit.
• Unexplained weight loss, and fatigue.
• Ear pain or infection or Hearing loss particularly in one ear.

Risk Factors

• Tobacco use (including smokeless tobacco)
• Alcohol consumption
•  Paan (betel quid). The use of paan (betel quid) in the mouth
•  Human papillomavirus (HPV) infection
• Poor oral hygiene.
• Occupational exposure. Occupational exposure to wood dust, nickel dust,
• or formaldehyde, asbestos, and synthetic fibers working in certain jobs in the
• construction, metal, textile, ceramic, and food industries may have an increased risk
• Radiation exposure. Radiation to the head and neck, for noncancerous conditions or cancer.
• Epstein-Barr virus infection
• Underlying genetic disorders. Some genetic disorders, such as  Fanconi anemia, can increase the risk of developing precancerous lesions and cancers early in life.

How common are head and neck cancers?

Worldwide, head and neck cancer account for approximately 900,000 cases and over 400,000 deaths annually.

Head and neck cancers account for nearly 4% of all cancers in the United States. In the United States, head and neck cancer accounts for 3 percent of malignancies, with approximately 66,000 cases annually and 15,000 deaths.

These cancers are more than twice as common among men as they are among women. India reports 1.75 lakh new cases of head and neck cancers every year — 76% of cases are reported in males and 24% in females. In India Head and Neck Cancer is the 6th most common cancer in the world. This young adult getting affected by the disease. Nearly 70% of head and neck cancers are related to the consumption of tobacco, areca nut, and alcohol. It is also important to define tobacco consumption as smoking and smoking less (that comprises betel nut, pan, gutkha, khaini, etc)

It is a fact that Cancer is a disease that impacts not only the patient but the entire family. The ever-increasing numbers are due to continued tobacco consumption and lack of awareness.

That is why Cancer awareness is very much important by knowing the risk factors, and the alarming signs. So that can definitely prevent Cancer You should know the warning signs so you can visit your physician as soon as possible and if diagnosed early, can save lives, economical, mental, and physical trauma and can get possible treatment without any complications.

Prevention and Early Diagnosis of HNC

All adults should do an annual dental check-up.

Monthly everyone should check the mouth and entire parts inside by moving the tongue in front of the mirror on its own.

You can help prevent head and neck cancer by stopping smoking, not using tobacco products, and limiting alcohol use. Reducing your risk of infection from HPV is also an important way to prevent the disease. Along with that Ayurveda, therapies are also useful for the prevention of disease. Follow Dincharya, Ritucharya, Kawal, Gandoosh (Oil pulling, Gargaling), Nasya Karma, Yoga, Pranayam, and deep breathing exercises.

If diagnosed all possible treatments are available like Surgery, Radiation therapy, and chemotherapy. Along with that alternative treatments are also available.